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Moloney F, Amini J, Sinyor M, Schaffer A, Lanctôt KL, Mitchell RHB. Sex Differences in the Global Prevalence of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2415436. [PMID: 38874927 PMCID: PMC11179134 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a strong predictor of suicide attempts. The prevalence of NSSI has been increasing among female adolescents in North America and Europe, but less is known about trends in other geographical regions. Objective To examine sex differences in the prevalence of NSSI among adolescents within and between geographical regions. Data Sources MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched using the keywords adolescents, self-injury, sex factors, and synonyms for articles published in English between January 1, 2000, and May 10, 2022. Study Selection Studies were included if they presented original data (any study design), included adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, reported results stratified by sex, and explicitly defined self-injury as behaviors occurring without suicidal intent. Data Extraction and Synthesis This meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO and conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Articles were assessed for quality by 2 independent coders (F.M. and J.A.). A random-effects model was used to calculate prevalence. Data were analyzed from July 2022 to April 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures The prevalence of NSSI in male and female adolescents within and between regions was the main outcome. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% CIs were calculated for community samples. Results Eight hundred and two studies were screened, and 38 were included (266 491 participants). Across 17 countries, the pooled prevalence of NSSI was 17.7% (female:male OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.29-1.98). NSSI was twice as prevalent among female adolescents compared with male adolescents in North America (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 2.16-2.86) and Europe (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.69-2.58), but not in Asia (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.71-1.41). Conclusions and Relevance In this meta-analysis of sex differences in global prevalence of NSSI, the female predominance of NSSI observed among adolescents in North America and Europe aligned with rising rates of suicide in these populations. The comparable prevalence of NSSI among male and female adolescents in Asia also aligned with the lower male-to-female suicide ratio compared with other countries. More research is needed to characterize regional (and potentially cultural) sex differences among adolescents with NSSI to prevent and treat the behavior and to understand the possible interplay with corresponding regional trends in suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Moloney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jasmine Amini
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Sinyor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ayal Schaffer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Krista L Lanctôt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel H B Mitchell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Mar J, Larrañaga I, Ibarrondo O, González-Pinto A, Hayas CL, Fullaondo A, Izco-Basurko I, Alonso J, Mateo-Abad M, de Manuel E. Socioeconomic and gender inequalities in mental disorders among adolescents and young adults. SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND MENTAL HEALTH 2024; 17:95-102. [PMID: 38720188 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Socioeconomic status (SES) and gender play a key role in mental health. The objective of this study was to assess socioeconomic and gender mental health inequalities in adolescents and young adults using a population-based registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a lifetime follow-up study of all residents in the Basque Country between 1 and 30 years old (n=609,381) as of 31 December 2018. Primary care, specialized outpatient, and hospital care records were searched for diagnoses. SES was assessed based on household income. We estimated disaggregated lifetime prevalence of substance use, behaviour, anxiety, depression, psychosis, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The local Institute of Statistics validated the mortality data. The likelihood of risks was estimated using logistic regression. RESULTS Overall, 96,671 individuals (15.9%) had a diagnosed mental disorder, with clear gradients by gender and SES. Females of medium-to-high SES had the lowest prevalence of all mental disorders, except anxiety and depression. This group was followed by males of the same SES and females of low SES, while the highest prevalence of mental disorders was observed in low-SES males. The lower income categories had higher risks of psychiatric admission (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.64 for females; 6.66 for males) and death (AOR: 5.42). People with a mental health diagnosis had higher mortality (AOR: 2.38). CONCLUSIONS Our work evidenced important SES and gender inequalities in the mental health and premature mortality of adolescents and young adults, findings that should drive the development and implementation of early preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Mar
- Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Debagoiena Integrated Health Organisation, Research Unit, Arrasate-Mondragón, Spain; Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; REDISSEC (Health Services Research on Chronic Patients Network), Bilbao, Spain; Kronikgune Institute for Health Services Research, Barakaldo, Spain.
| | - Igor Larrañaga
- Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Debagoiena Integrated Health Organisation, Research Unit, Arrasate-Mondragón, Spain; Kronikgune Institute for Health Services Research, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Oliver Ibarrondo
- Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Debagoiena Integrated Health Organisation, Research Unit, Arrasate-Mondragón, Spain
| | - Ana González-Pinto
- Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; UPV/EHU - University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; CIBERSAM, CIBER en Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain; Bioaraba Health Research Institute, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | | | - Ane Fullaondo
- Kronikgune Institute for Health Services Research, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | - Jordi Alonso
- Health Services Research Group, IMIM - Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERESP, CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; UPF - Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maider Mateo-Abad
- REDISSEC (Health Services Research on Chronic Patients Network), Bilbao, Spain; Kronikgune Institute for Health Services Research, Barakaldo, Spain
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Rabinowitz JA, Kahn GD, Felton JW, Drabick DAG, Wilcox HC. Correlates of Informant Discrepancies in Self-Harm Among Youth Involved in Child Protective Services. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2023; 155:107200. [PMID: 38053918 PMCID: PMC10695356 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.107200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Youth involved with child protective services (CPS) are at elevated risk for engaging in self-harm. Participation in interventions or treatments that may reduce youths' self-harm behaviors often depends on the accurate reporting of their self-injurious behaviors. However, informants often disagree on the presence or severity of self-harm engagement, making the identification of youth in need of treatment more challenging. The current study aims to characterize discrepancies between youth and caregiver reports of children's self-harm among a sample of youth with a history of CPS involvement, and to identify factors (e.g., demographics, youth and caregiver psychological impairments, aspects of the caregiving environment) associated with these discrepancies. Participants (N = 258) were drawn from a large, nationally representative sample of youth under the age of 18 (mean age = 13.8) and their caregivers who were investigated by CPS. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine correlates of discrepancies in caregiver and youth reports of youth self-harm. Results indicated that 10% of caregiver-child dyads agreed on children's engagement in self-harm. In 33% of cases, only the child reported self-harm and in 57% of cases, only the caregiver reported youth self-harm. Being a biological caregiver, child female sex, higher levels of internalizing symptoms; higher post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms; and greater caregiver alcohol use was associated with a lower likelihood of caregivers reporting self-harm only. Older child age; lower externalizing symptoms; higher PTSD symptoms, and greater levels of caregiver emotional security and structure were linked to lower odds of children reporting self-harm only. These results underscore important factors to consider when assessing self-harm among youth involved with CPS and have potential implications for practice guidelines in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill A Rabinowitz
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Geoffrey D Kahn
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, US
| | - Julia W Felton
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, US
| | | | - Holly C Wilcox
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, US
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Rodrigues R, Mehesz EZ, Lingford-Hughes A, Di Simplicio M. Approach-avoidance biases to self-harm cues in young people with self-harm. J Affect Disord 2023; 340:435-441. [PMID: 37549813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The urge to self-harm can be likened to craving in addictive behaviours. However, it remains unclear whether cognitive mechanisms involved in craving, such as attentional biases to cues, also underpin the urge to self-harm. METHODS A Dot Probe Task was used to investigate attentional biases to self-harm cues in young people aged 16-25 with self-harm. Cues were shown for either 0.2 s or 2 s. Dot Probe Task performance in the Self-harm group (N = 50) was compared with age-matched Healthy Controls (N = 50) and age- and negative-affect (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21) matched controls with no self-harm (N = 50). RESULTS The Self-harm group showed significantly greater avoidance of self-harm cues than Healthy Controls at 2 s. The Negative Affect group showed significantly less difficulty disengaging from self-harm cues than the Self-harm group and Healthy Controls at 2 s. There were no between-group differences in attentional bias at 0.2 s. LIMITATIONS Study limitations that may affect attentional biases in the Self-harm group include not measuring indicators of recovery and recruiting only from the community potentially missing more severe self-harm presentations in clinical settings. CONCLUSIONS Avoidance of self-harm cues in young people with self-harm may reflect conflict around self-harm behaviour, consistent with ambivalence models of craving. An ability to disengage from self-harm cues may be a protective factor in young people with higher levels of negative affect who do not self-harm. Whether these attentional biases represent a quantifiable marker of treatment response or susceptibility to relapse in individuals with self-harm remains an area for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rodrigues
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - E Z Mehesz
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - A Lingford-Hughes
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - M Di Simplicio
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Ropaj E, Haddock G, Pratt D. Developing a consensus of recovery from suicidal ideations and behaviours: A Delphi study with experts by experience. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291377. [PMID: 37729121 PMCID: PMC10511083 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding recovery in mental health has received significant attention and consequently, recovery has been incorporated into health policy across many countries in the Global North. In comparison, the concept of 'recovery' from suicidal thoughts and behaviours has received little attention. However, the few studies in this area appear to suggest that recovery is a complex and an idiosyncratic process with many contributing factors. This can present a challenge for clinicians and services seeking to become more recovery focused. Thus, it seems of importance to develop a consensus on how recovery from suicidal thoughts and behaviours is conceptualised. AIM The study aimed to use the Delphi design to establish a consensus of how recovery is defined by those with lived experience of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The Delphi method draws on the expertise of a panel, often involving clinicians, researchers and lived experience experts to develop consensus over a topic by inviting them to rate the importance of, often a series of statements to a given topic area. METHOD Lived experience experts were asked to complete two rounds of questionnaires distributed online to capture their views on recovery. RESULTS A total of 196 individuals gave their views on the first round of the study and 97 gave their views on the second round. A final list of 110 statements was developed that 80% or more of participants defined as essential or important. Statements covered items that were important in defining, facilitation and hindering the process of recovery. CONCLUSION Findings are consistent with the wider literature that suggests that recovery is an idiosyncratic process, but with many commonly shared features. Here we also show that a comprehensive definition of recovery must include factors that hinder the process of recovery. Implications and recommendations for practice, policy development and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmira Ropaj
- Division of Psychology & Mental Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Haddock
- Division of Psychology & Mental Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Pratt
- Division of Psychology & Mental Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Van Meter AR, Knowles EA, Mintz EH. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: International Prevalence of Suicidal Ideation and Attempt in Youth. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:973-986. [PMID: 36563876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.07.867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Globally, rates of youth suicide vary considerably. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) are consistently associated with risk of death by suicide. However, international trends in STB have not yet been compared. To address this gap, an international meta-analysis of epidemiological and school-based studies that report on STB in youth was conducted. METHOD Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed and PsycINFO through April 2022. Eligible studies included prevalence of active suicidal ideation (SI) or suicide attempts (SA) in community youth younger than age 22. All studies were coded by 2 authors. Mixed models accounting for shared methods and including hypothesized moderators were conducted using the metafor package in R. RESULTS There were 371 effect sizes for SI, 94 for SI with a plan, and 316 for SA, representing 149 regions. Year of data collection ranged from 1981 to 2021. Participants were 6 to 21 years old. The prevalence of SI ranged across regions from 14.3% to 22.6%; the prevalence of SA ranged from 4.6% to 15.8%. Year was not associated with increasing STB prevalence except for studies from the United States, which showed increasing rates of SI and SA since 2007. CONCLUSION This is the most comprehensive meta-analysis of STB in youth, providing valuable data about how risk factors most commonly associated with suicide vary internationally and over time. International rates of STB among youth are not improving and may be getting worse in the United States, despite efforts to reduce suicide risk. Most studies did not report rates of SI or SA separately for LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and others) youth and youth of color. A better understanding of proximal risk at the individual level will be important to informing future prevention efforts, especially for high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R Van Meter
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York; Zucker Hillside Hospital, Queens, New York; Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York.
| | - Ellen A Knowles
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York
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Knettel BA, Amiri I, Minja L, Martinez AJ, Knippler ET, Madundo K, Staton C, Vissoci JRN, Mwobobia J, Mmbaga BT, Kaaya S, Relf MV, Goldston DB. Brief Report: Task-Shifting "Gold Standard" Clinical Assessment and Safety Planning for Suicide Risk Among People Living With HIV: A Feasibility and Fidelity Evaluation in Tanzania. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 93:374-378. [PMID: 37159427 PMCID: PMC10524299 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a leading cause of death among people living with HIV (PLWH) worldwide, with suicide deaths occurring twice as frequently among PLWH than among the general public. In Tanzania, resources for mental health care are sorely lacking, with 55 psychiatrists and psychologists providing treatment for 60 million people. In light of this shortage, nonspecialists play a crucial role. The objective of this study was to assess feasibility of implementing task-shifted screening, assessment, and safety planning for suicide risk among PLWH. SETTING Two adult HIV clinics in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. METHODS Registered professional nurses in the HIV clinics were trained to administer brief screening of suicidal ideation in the past month. Patients experiencing suicidal ideation were referred to bachelor's-level counselors for further assessment and safety planning, supervised by specialist providers who reviewed audio recordings for quality assurance. RESULTS During 180 days of implementation, nurses screened patients attending 2745 HIV appointments. Sixty-one (2.2%) endorsed suicidal ideation and were linked to further assessment and safety planning. We cross-checked screening with clinic attendance logs on 7 random days and found high fidelity to screening (206 of 228 screened, 90%). Quality assurance ratings demonstrated key assessment pieces were consistently completed (mean = 9.3/10 possible), with "Good" to "Excellent" counseling skills (mean = 23.7/28) and "Good" to "Excellent" quality (mean = 17.1/20), including appropriate referral for higher levels of care. CONCLUSIONS Brief screening can be implemented and paired with task-shifted counseling to facilitate high-quality assessment of suicide risk. This model shows excellent potential to extend mental health services for PLWH in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon A. Knettel
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ismail Amiri
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Linda Minja
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Elizabeth T. Knippler
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for AIDS Research, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kim Madundo
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Catherine Staton
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Department of Emergency Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joao Ricardo N. Vissoci
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Department of Emergency Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Sylvia Kaaya
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Michael V. Relf
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - David B. Goldston
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Nicholas A, Haregu T, Henderson C, Armstrong G. Suicide stigma measures: A scoping review. J Affect Disord 2023; 321:114-125. [PMID: 36283535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, approximately 800,000 people die by suicide every year, and non-fatal suicidal thoughts and behaviours are common. Stigma is likely a major barrier to preventing suicide. The purpose of our review is to scope the development, psychometric properties and use of measures that explicitly seek to measure the construct of suicide stigma. METHODS We conducted a scoping review. We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase and CINAHL using search terms related to suicide, stigma and measures/scales with no date limits. We included any measure the authors defined as measuring suicide-related stigma. Only peer-reviewed articles published in English were included. RESULTS We included 106 papers discussing 23 measures of suicide stigma; 82 provided data on psychometric properties. Measures assessed personal or public stigma; and stigma toward a range of suicidal phenomena (e.g., suicidal thoughts, those bereaved by suicide). 'Stigma' definitions varied and were not always provided. The Grief Experience Questionnaire, Suicide Opinion Questionnaire and Stigma of Suicide Scale were the most commonly cited. Measures varied in the strength of their psychometric properties. LIMITATIONS We only included papers in English. Because we included any measures authors defined as measuring suicide stigma, we may have included measures not commonly considered as measures of suicide stigma, and conversely we might have excluded relevant measures because they did not use the term 'stigma'. DISCUSSION This review aimed to assist in better understanding available suicide stigma measures, their strengths and weaknesses and current uses, and will inform the development of future suicide stigma measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Nicholas
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tilahun Haregu
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Claire Henderson
- Health Service and Population Research, Kings College London, UK
| | - Gregory Armstrong
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
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Thorn P, La Sala L, Hetrick S, Rice S, Lamblin M, Robinson J. Motivations and perceived harms and benefits of online communication about self-harm: An interview study with young people. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231176689. [PMID: 37252260 PMCID: PMC10214072 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231176689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Self-harm behaviour is prevalent among young people and online communication about self-harm is frequent. These online communications are associated with potential harms and potential benefits. To date, few studies have explored the motivations and mechanisms involved in youth online communication about self-harm. Objective This study aimed to explore why young people communicate online about self-harm and the perceived benefits and harms of these communications. Methods Twenty young people aged between 18 and 25 years completed an online interview. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Results Four main themes are reported: (1) crossing from offline to online-the double-edged affordances of social media: young people engaged in online communication about self-harm because they were unable or unwilling to speak about their experiences in offline contexts. Online spaces afforded anonymity and peer support, which were associated with benefits and harms; (2) user-generated is not quite the same as user-resonated: perceptions were influenced by whether the young person created or viewed or responded to the content. Written and visual content had pros and cons; (3) it's not just you, it's mostly me-individual characteristics influence perceptions: age and mental state influenced perceptions and behavior; and (4) beyond individuals-parameters are protective: leadership and platform policies and procedures aided safety. Conclusions Online communication about self-harm is neither entirely helpful nor harmful. Perceptions are influenced by individual, social, and systematic factors. Evidence-based guidelines are needed to increase young people's online self-harm literacy and help them build effective communication skills to buffer psychological and potentially physical harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Thorn
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Louise La Sala
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Hetrick
- Department of Psychological Medicine, The
University of Auckland, Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simon Rice
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Michelle Lamblin
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jo Robinson
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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10
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Revisiting Social Stigma in Non-suicidal Self-injury: A Narrative Review. CONSORTIUM PSYCHIATRICUM 2022. [DOI: 10.17816/cp196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is highly prevalent in our community. Yet, there is a significant discrepancy between the number of individuals engaging in NSSI and those who seek treatment for NSSI. This discrepancy can be due to the high social stigma associated with the behavior. The impact of NSSI stigma is significant and can impair the quality of life in the individuals engaging in NSSI, delay help-seeking, reduce access to mental health care and further fuel misinformation. Even though the symptomatology, risks, and demographics of NSSI have received attention in terms of research, there is limited literature on NSSI stigma and its consequences. With that background set, this review provides a birds-eye view of the different levels of stigma in NSSI (public, self, and health care), associated discrimination, the various aspects of such stigmatization (NSSI-related language, physical scarring, misinformation, the media), and, finally, the collaborative clinical-outreach interventions for mitigating NSSI-associated social stigma. If NSSI is indeed recognized as a clinical disorder, future research would need to focus on these constructs of stigma and treat them with the same importance as the one given to clinical studies of intervention and symptomatology in NSSI.
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Meheli S, Lewis SP. Support Seeking in the Context of Self-Injury Recovery: Perspectives From Individuals With Lived Experience. J Nerv Ment Dis 2022; 210:547-556. [PMID: 35044359 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT A sample of 229 university students responded to open-ended questions for the present study, which aimed to gain a deeper understanding of lived experiences of support seeking in the context of self-injury recovery. Inductive thematic analysis of the responses indicated themes from two domains: the benefits of support seeking and the barriers to support seeking. The first domain highlighted benefits from both professional sources (such as receiving diagnosis and referrals to therapy, learning emotion regulation strategies, and developing an improved understanding of self) and informal sources (such as receiving tangible aid, having a support system, and having a compassionate space). The second domain indicated that barriers could be both intrapersonal (such as desire to continue nonsuicidal self-injury, embarrassment and shame, establishing agency without others' support, and minimizing self-injury) and interpersonal (such as fear of being stigmatized, concern for others, and unhelpful prior experiences) in nature. Implications for future research, outreach efforts, and clinical practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saha Meheli
- Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS Hospital), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Stephen P Lewis
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Geulayov G, Borschmann R, Mansfield KL, Hawton K, Moran P, Fazel M. Utilization and Acceptability of Formal and Informal Support for Adolescents Following Self-Harm Before and During the First COVID-19 Lockdown: Results From a Large-Scale English Schools Survey. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:881248. [PMID: 35815012 PMCID: PMC9263724 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.881248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about the perceived acceptability and usefulness of supports that adolescents have accessed following self-harm, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aims To examine the utilization and acceptability of formal, informal, and online support accessed by adolescents following self-harm before and during the pandemic. Method Cross-sectional survey (OxWell) of 10,560 secondary school students aged 12-18 years in the south of England. Information on self-harm, support(s) accessed after self-harm, and satisfaction with support received were obtained via a structured, self-report questionnaire. No tests for significance were conducted. Results 1,457 (12.5%) students reported having ever self-harmed and 789 (6.7%) reported self-harming during the first national lockdown. Informal sources of support were accessed by the greatest proportion of respondents (friends: 35.9%; parents: 25.0%). Formal sources of support were accessed by considerably fewer respondents (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: 12.1%; psychologist/ psychiatrist: 10.2%; general practitioner: 7.4%). Online support was accessed by 8.6% of respondents, and 38.3% reported accessing no support at all. Informal sources of support were rated as most helpful, followed by formal sources, and online support. Of the respondents who sought no support, 11.3% reported this as being helpful. Conclusions More than a third of secondary school students in this sample did not seek any help following self-harm. The majority of those not seeking help did not find this to be a helpful way of coping. Further work needs to determine effective ways of overcoming barriers to help-seeking among adolescents who self-harm and improving perceived helpfulness of the supports accessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galit Geulayov
- Centre for Suicide Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rohan Borschmann
- Justice Health Unit (Centre for Health Equity), Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Karen L. Mansfield
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Hawton
- Centre for Suicide Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Moran
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Mina Fazel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Liem A, Prawira B, Magdalena S, Siandita MJ, Hudiyana J. Predicting self-harm and suicide ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia: a nationwide survey report. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:304. [PMID: 35488326 PMCID: PMC9051849 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03944-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is estimated that 77.0% of suicide cases occurred in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), which would increase because of the COVID-19 pandemic and socioeconomic inequity. However, there is lack of reports on this topic from LMICs, especially during the pandemic. Therefore, this nationwide study aimed to explore self-harm and suicide ideation and its predictive variables during the pandemic in Indonesia as a MIC with the highest COVID-19 fatality rate in Asia. METHODS Non-random sampling online survey was conducted nationwide between 25 May and 16 June 2021. The collected data were demographic variables (i.e. age group), loneliness from social isolation using The UCLA Loneliness Scale Six Items (ULS-6), and self-harm and suicide ideation using item 9 of The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Predictive model was analyzed using hierarchical logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 5211 participants from all 34 provinces in Indonesia completed the survey. Among 39.3% of them reported self-harm and suicide ideation during the pandemic, which significantly correlated with loneliness. The predictive variables associated with the likelihood of self-harm and suicide ideation were age, residence, job, religion, sex-gender, sexual orientation, HIV status, disability status, and loneliness. The predictive model showed a significant goodness-of-fit to the observed data (x2 [ (15)] = 1803.46, p < .001), RN2 = .40. CONCLUSION Four out of 10 Indonesians experienced self-harm and suicide ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly people within the age range of 18-24, living in the Java Island, unemployed/student/retired and freelancer, women, members of minority and marginalized communities, and experience of loneliness during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrian Liem
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | | | | | | | - Joevarian Hudiyana
- grid.9581.50000000120191471Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Jawa Barat Indonesia
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